Our goal is to help you to learn how to live your life drug free.  Recovery does not stop after 6 or 8 weeks of detoxification and Out-Patient therapy.  Recovery is a "life long" process that requires continual effort.  In order to maximize the chance of success, it is imperative that the detoxification process be combined with follow-up care, along with the ongoing desire to remain drug free.  Living in a drug-free environment, participating actively in professional counseling if possible, and stay engaged in a 12-step recovery program will assure a successful recovery.

Follow Up Group Sessions at 1/2 the cost.

Our patients that successfully complete treatment are able to attend continuing group sessions. Theses continuing follow up group sessions are availabe for 1/2 the normal cost.  Many patients find it extremely helpful to continue attending at least once a week until they feel comfortable to move in the the general recovery poulation on their own. 

Important information on Cravings and Relapse

Modern PET scanners can actually take pictures of the brain's pleasure center. Studies show that cravings are related to releases of Dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is the chemical that is found in the pleasure center and all drugs of abuse release Dopamine to be secreted in extra amounts. When patients are in recovery and drug-free there are specific triggers that release Dopamine in the brain, as if the patient had taken a small amount of drugs. This small increase of Dopamine is associated with the patient feeling cravings for the drugs. The three things that release Dopamine in the brain and cause cravings are as follows:

1. Any mood altering drug – we know that it is absolutely essential for addicts to be completely abstinent from alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, amphetamines and other addictive drugs. All of these drugs release Dopamine into the brain and all of them will make the brain have cravings - particulary for the "drug of choice". It is essential that all patients pay very close attention to this and be completely abstinent from all mood-altering drugs.

2. Things that were associated with the drug experience - Any environmental stimulus that was associated with the drug experience will actually release Dopamine in the brain.  This means old friends, old places where people used to use, seeing drug paraphernalia, driving down the wrong street, getting a paycheck, hearing a song that was associated with using drugs, etc.  All of these things will actually produce cravings in addicts.  Eventually these will subside, but it may take years before these stimuli do not produce releases of dopamine in the brain.  It is essential that all patients pay extremely close attention to this so that the brain has the best chance of staying drug-free.

3. Intense moods and emotions – Strong feelings, including sadness, grief, loneliness, depression, happiness, joy, and boredom can all release Dopamine in the brain and produce cravings for drugs.  It is essential that patients work with therapists, and attend 12-step groups in order to keep themselves engaged in the recovery process and as even keeled as possible, especially in the early days of recovery.

Essentials for a Good Recovery Program

Substance abuse therapy – Patients have a much to learn about living and staying drug-free. While support groups are helpful, it is NBD's experience that professional therapy can add significantly, by being more educational and confrontive. They can also help patients to understand relapse and understand deeper psychological issues that may start becoming apparent during early recovery.  NBD offer's a continuing a Out-Patient Group Therapy that meets continually in Royal Palm Beach office. Depending on the circumstances, individual therapy and a halfway house may be desired depending on the patient.

Medical care – All patients need to follow-up with clinicians who are experienced in both substance abuse and mental health. This is particularly important since after a patient gets drug-free a variety of mental health issues may arise. It is very common that patients have periods of depression or anxiety. Sometimes there’s even bipolar illness, or other serious mental health problems that may require medications. If emotions are not kept on an even keel, then relapse is extremely common.

Spirituality - For many, a recovery program cannot last or be meaningful without attending to the spirituality portion of the program.  Once the body and mind around then it is time to address one's spiritual side.  The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous states "What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition" (page 84). 

And last but certainly not least...

12 Step Groups

We cannot over emphasize the importance of 12 Step Recovery groups.  These programs provide support, accountability and education to learn how to deal with the everyday aspects of recovery.  The groups take you away from the usual "using" friends and "using" situations and can connect you with people that are really serious about recovery.  AA, N/A, and spiritually cenentered groups such as Celebrate Recovery and Believers in Recovery are just a few of such groups.  It may be neccesary to experiment with different groups to find the ones that are right for you.

Final Notes – NBD believe's that everyone can achieve long term sobriety.  Frequently, however, patients cannot or will not completely give 100% to their recovery program. The more that is put into working the program the more likely a patient will be successful. We rarely see anyone relapse who completes 90 AA or NA meetings in ninety days. Most recovered patients, unfortunately, are under the false illusion that they will be different and they don’t need to work quite as hard on their recovery.

Complacency, however, can be deadly!

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